My name is Dave and I wore a different t-shirt each day of 2010 and blogged about them here. They are all on sale now and all the profits will benefit Skating for Hope! Please contact me to see if I still have the t-shirt!

If you have never donated blood, it’s a very easy way to help people in need.All of the Red Cross workers are very nice, and you get to have snacks after…Just be prepared to answer several times if you have ever had sex with a prostitute!

For more information on the Red Cross, go here: www.redcross.org (I think you can also call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, like the shirt says!)If you would like information on donating blood, go here: www.redcrossblood.org.

Also, if you know anyone that has a need for blood or platelets, you can donate to them specifically (I’m not sure if The Red Cross does this, at least UMass in Worcester did this when I was in the middle of treatment).Anyway, it feels good to help people…trust me!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

It all started when I was watching MTV’s ½ Hour Comedy Hour.This ranting and raving comic I had never heard of told a joke about the 1986 World Series.He was saying that guys from Boston had a reputation for being mean and unfriendly, and argued that if the Red Sox had won game 6, guys from Boston would be the nicest people you’d ever meet.The comic was Denis Leary and I became an instant fan. I followed him on Remote Control and his MTV spots (see my favorite here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D3N4COZ4LE&feature=related ), but wanted more…

A few years later when I was ironically finishing treatment for a cancerous brain tumor, No Cure For Cancer was released. I listened to it until I had every line memorized, and had just about everyone in the hall of my freshman year dorm listening with me. I went to see Denis do stand-up at Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester in the spring, and he just made me an even bigger fan.At the end of the school year Iperformed “Asshole” in a lip sync contest at BC, and took first prize (I don’t think some of the families that had come to see the other college students were expecting a song like that!). Denis’ comedy definitely helped me through one of the toughest years of my life.

Then, came the movies.I watched Denis in Loaded Weapon 1, The Sandlot (great freakin’ movie), Demolition Man, Judgment Night, The Ref (my favorite), Operation Dumbo Drop, Two If By Sea (was lucky enough to go to the premiere of this in Boston), Suicide Kings, The Matchmaker, and Wag The Dog.

In the summer of 1997 I saw Denis live again as he prepared material for another comedy album.My girlfriend at the time didn’t appreciate his sense of humor, a sign that should have told me things weren’t going to work out.Then Lock ‘N Load came out, and I went to see Denis do an in-store musical performance / meet and greet at a Newbury Comics.His best line: “Can we get some more white guys wearing baseball hats in here?”He signed (see picture) my No Cure For Cancer Book as I asked him to, “From one asshole to another” and got a kick out of it when I laughed and told him that the high school he went to, St. Peter’s (now St. Peter-Marion),sucks…I went to the rival and usually athletically superior St. John’s.Again, the man just made me a bigger fan.

Although I didn’t see Denis’ animated movies (Small Soldiers, A Bug’s Life), I continued to follow him in Monument Ave., The Thomas Crown Affair, and Jesus’ Son.

Then on December 3, 1999, something happened that put all those comedy albums and movies into perspective.Denis lost one of his cousins, Jerry Lucey, and a childhood friend, Tommy Spencer, after they were fighting a fire in Worcester.What did Denis do in response?He fought back by starting the Leary Firefighters Foundation (www.learyfirefighters.org). The organization was kicked off by a Celebrity Hat Trick hockey game (see puck I’m holding) which was played at The Centrum (no, I will never call it the DCU Center) in Worcester.My neighbor “Dr. Bob” was offered VIP passes to the event (he treated a relative of Denis), and offered them to me because he knew what a big fan I was.So before the game, my sister Megan and I got to schmooze with Kiefer Sutherland, Scott Wolfe, Cam Neely, Phil Esposito, and Elizabeth Hurley (oh yeah, Denis was there, too!).I felt so lucky to be part of such an important event.

Since he started it, The Leary Firefighters Foundation has given over $10 million in equipment and training facilities to fire departments in Worcester, Boston, New York, and New Orleans.Denis took a tragedy, and made it into something great.He made me take the step of saying “I am a huge fan of this guy” to proudly saying “This guy is my hero”.

Denis continued to be my hero when I watched him in The Job and later in Rescue Me.Three years ago, I started working with cancer patients at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Worcester.One night when I told two of the guests that I was going to be watching a show with a guy from Worcesterin it, they joined me.Like me, they became instant fans of Denis and we religiously watched Rescue Me every week.Last month Hope Lodge celebrated its 25th anniversary and one of these guests gave a speech to everyone there, sharing her story.I won’t say if there was a tear in my eye or not, but when she mentioned watching Rescue Me with me in her speech, I was glowing.

Tonight, Rescue Me starts its 6th (and allegedly final) season (finally to the reason why I am wearing this shirt today).I am excited and sad at the same time.One thing is for sure though: I am going to laugh. Denis has been making me laugh for over 20 years now and I know there are more years to come.He has made it possible for me to laugh through the tough times and for that I can’t thank him enough. He inspires me to be a better writer and reminds me that anything is possible, even when you come from Worcester.Thank you for everything Denis. You are a hero to me and you are a hero to every firefighter you have helped.

On the other hand, I am still seeing people getting gas at the BP stations in Worcester.I don’t get this, and am thinking of hanging out by a station and asking people why they are getting gas there.Do they not care or do they have no idea what’s going on?I’ve heard people argue that boycotting BP only hurts them more and makes it harder for them to fix and repay all the damage they have caused.Do I care if an oil company gets hit hard in their bank account?I watched a newscast interviewing a manager of one of the Worcester BP stations and he was saying how people boycotting BP hurts him.Dude, I feel your financial pain, but why do you still want to work for BP?

I Googled “help gulf oil spill” and over 60 million hits came up. So, I wondered if either the US Government or BP sites had links. I couldn’t find anything at www.usa.gov, but the front page of www.bp.com has numbers you can call.One of the numbers listed is titled, and I am not kidding, “Do you have any ideas to help us?” (If you do, it’s +1 281 366 5511).

I’m with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.Can’t more of you billionaires give up half your fortune to help those less fortunate than you?I live paycheck to paycheck but I still know money isn’t what makes someone really happy, sharing what you have with others is. I gave my “Little Brother” two of my t-shirts today (including a Star Wars one…trust me, that means something), and seeing his face light up made my day.I’m not saying every billionaire should help with the oil spill, but there has to be at least a few who care enough about the people and animals effected by this…right?I’m glad at least Threadless, Frederick, and Ross care…

Sunday, June 27, 2010

This shirt was a gift from my awesome sister Carolyn who was in Oklahoma when she got it for me.

Back in my pre-Super Size Me viewing days, I was a big fan of McDonald’s.Many years, The Golden Arches was what I gave up for Lent (one year I actually went to get a burger at midnight on Easter). So when my sister was in the vicinity of the World’s Largest McDonald’s in Vinita, Oklahoma (whose title some argue has been taken away by a McD’s in Orlando…Google it if you want), she knew I would appreciate having a souvenir from it.She was right.

Like so many other things Carolyn does, this shirt exemplifies how she is always thinking of other people.She thinks of her family, she thinks of her friends, and she thinks of her students.She is always saying “I saw this and HAD to get it for you."She is always buying various things with the word “Hope” on them that can now be seen at Hope Lodge.She has supported me through my best and worst times.The day I got out of the hospital after my first round of chemotherapy, we both had tickets to see Pantera and Skid Row.Carolyn gave me the back stage pass her friend had given her so I could meet the bands.That’s just the way that she is, and this blog will never be able to express how lucky I am to have her as a sister.I love you, Ca!

Friday, June 25, 2010

Very, very quick blog today because I am heading out for the weekend soon.This shirt was donated from Crazy Dave’s T-shirts (www.crazydavestshirts.com), and I wore it today because I think my company (two college buddies) will appreciate it.I am hanging out with my friend Drew on the Cape today, then am off to Crazy Carl’s in Quincy tonight…Carl and I leave tomorrow morning (“wicked early”) for a Wiffle Ball Fest in Burlington, VT.Then Sunday, it’s roller hockey in Westboro!Looking forward to a fun weekend!Thanks again to Crazy Dave’s T-shirts!!!!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Although I’m not sure how my grandfather would feel about me having a shirt with Japanese writing (I’m hoping he’s met some nice Japanese souls in heaven that have dismissed his prejudice brought on by World War II), I made this one a few years ago when “Dice-K” (Daisuke Matsuzaka) was brought to the Red Sox for the “bargain price” of $100 million.I saw the DD billboard at Fenway, and took a picture of it thinking I would be the only one having a Japanese Dunkin’ shirt.So far, I haven’t seen its equal.

Dice-K, who takes the mound for the Sox tonight, has had flashes of brilliance since landing in Beantown, but I have yet to see anything that has made him worth his contract.So far, here is what he has done:

On the other hand, Dunkin’ Donuts always seems like a brilliant idea to me (even though for my Crohn’s sake I only drink decaf coffee now).According to their website (www.dunkindonuts.com), DD serves more than 3 million customers per day.They have 6,395 franchised restaurants in 34 states and in 2008, their worldwide sales were $5.5 billion (Way to go, nation of addicts!).Here’s to more brilliance by Dice-K tonight, and everyone getting their caffeine fix tomorrow morning! GO SOX!

I was 18 when Barney was released, and immediately thought it was one of the stupidest things I had ever seen.Also, I just found out (not surprisingly) the first show (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0144701/) aired the same week I got diagnosed with my brain tumor.Of course I took pleasure in anything that made fun of the show, like this SNL skit with Charles Barkley:

, or more recently this Family Guy clip where Stewie makes reference to the “Kid with the hearing aid from Barney”:

I had a great day wearing this shirt today.Started off ice skating with my friend KTK for two hours and had a great conversation with the rink manager about my idea for a Relay for Life-type event for Hope Lodge.He loved the idea, thought it would be a great way to let people know the rink is open during the summer, and said he would talk to “his people” about reducing the price of the rink rental as much as possible…woo hoo!

After skating, KTK and I threw 18 holes of Frolf (a. k. a. Disc Golf) in Leicester (http://www.marshallstreetdiscgolf.com/), and I actually made par on a few holes(And there was one I through it into the water about 4 times).

To finish the day, KTK and I met up with C.O. for some food and World Cup Soccer, just in time for the cheap happy hour menu.Then, when I got back to The Lodge, there were two t-shirts waiting for me that were donated from Crazy Dave’s T-shirts (http://www.crazydavestshirts.com )…great way to end an awesome day!

Last Friday I took my “Little” here, and explained to him how I always got “two up” and what that meant.I ordered “three up” and another fan of Coney Island Hot Dogs was born.After we finished eating, I told the manager (Andy) about my blog and if he would like to donate and help me reach my goal of 365…it took him about 2 seconds to say “sure” ask me what my size was…thanks again!

So to sum up: Coney Island – Great dogs, great service, great prices, and supportive of local t-shirt bloggers!

Monday, June 21, 2010

This shirt is another donated one (thanks, JB!) so this is the first time I am wearing it. It reminds me of Forrest Gump and my friend Glen (and no, Forrest doesn’t remind me of Glen!).

The Forrest Gump part is from this scene:

Apple reminds me of Glen because he is a strong supporter of their products.He also very unselfishly GAVE me his MacBook and iPhone when he got newer ones, which led to the idea for this blog and is the reason I am typing right now.If more people acted like him, there would be a lot less problems in this world…I can’t thank you enough, buddy!

Rather than list some facts about the computer company, I thought I could share some facts about apples themselves (from http://www.allaboutapples.com):

The top five apple producing countries in the world are:

•China

•United States

•Poland

•Turkey

•Italy

The top five apple producing states in the US are:

1.Washington

2.New York

3.Michigan

4.Pennsylvania

5.California

The top fifteen apples varieties grown in the U.S.

1.Red Delicious

2.Golden Delicious

3.Gala

4.Fuji

5.Granny Smith

6.McIntosh

7.Rome

8.Idared

9.Jonathan

10.Empire

11.York

12.Cortland

13.Northern Spy

14.Rhode Island Greening

15.Stayman

Other Apple Factoids

Archeologists have found evidence that humans have been enjoying apples since at least 6500 B.C.

The apple tree originated in an area between the Caspin and the Black Sea.

Apples were introduced to New York by the European settlers who brought seeds with them in the 1600s.

The apple is the official state fruit of Rhode Island, New York, Washington, and West Virginia. The apple blossom (Pyrus coronaria) is the official state flower of Arkansas and Michigan.

Apple varieties range in size from a little larger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit. There are apples that have an aftertaste of pears, citrus, cinnamon, cloves, coconut, strawberries, grapes and even pineapple!

In 2002, the average U.S. consumer ate an estimated 15.8 pounds of fresh-market apples, and 26.4 pounds of processed apples, for a total of 42.2 pounds of fresh apples and processed apple products.

Sixty percent of the 2002 U.S. apple crop was eaten as fresh fruit, while 39 percent was processed into apple products, and 1 percent was not marketed. Of the 39 percent of the crop that was processed, 18 percent was used in juice and cider; 3 percent was dried; 2 percent was frozen; and 12 percent was canned. Other uses include the making of baby food, apple butter or jelly, and vinegar.

Apples have five seed pockets or carpels. Each pocket contains seeds. The number of seeds per carpel is determined by the vigor and health of the plant. Different varieties of apples will have different number of seeds.

Planting an apple seed from a particular apple will not produce a tree of that same variety. The seed is a cross of the tree the fruit was grown on and the variety that was the cross pollinator.

Apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated. For optimal storage, apples should be kept at 35-40 degrees with relative humidity of 80-90%.

Apples are a member of the rose family.

A bushel of apples weights about approximately 42 pounds

It takes energy from 50 leaves to produce one apple.

Fresh apples float because 25% of their volume is air (thank goodness, or none of us would have ever experienced bobbing for apples!).

Sunday, June 20, 2010

I got this one when I “stumbled upon” the Star Wars website 5 years ago and thought it would make a great Father’s Day present for my dad.A couple of weeks later, we both showed up to my niece’s 2nd birthday party wearing it (see picture).If you don’t know the joke behind the shirt, it means you haven’t seen The Empire Strikes Back…I’m sorry.

Today for Father’s Day I went with my dad to visit my grandmother and then we had a late breakfast at Harry’s (http://davestshirts.blogspot.com/2010/03/t-shirt-89-harrys.html) in Westboro, always a good choice.While eating, my nephew called and asked if I wanted to go see Toy Story 3 in 3D with him and the rest of the family…a very easy decision and a good movie!(Side note: Speaking of 3D movies, I don’t understand why they say returning your glasses is “being green”.You get 3D glasses wrapped in plastic, and then there are receptacles to put them in after the movie.I saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D when it was out, kept my glasses, and used them today.Isn’t it better for the environment if you keep the first pair you get and use them for every 3D movie you go to?) It was a great Father’s Day spent with the two best dads I know!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

I got this one in the bargain shelf at Newbury Comics.I know it refers to a Christmas song, but I think it’s appropriate for anytime of the year.I did wear this shirt one Christmas (see pictures), but now it has become one of my “workout shirts”…I wore it (and finished!) at last year’s B5K run to benefit pancreatic cancer research and Hope Lodge.I’m wearing it today because my friend Carl and I are getting one more practice in before we play in next week’s Wiffle Fest in Burlinton, VT.Our team name is fittingly called The Massholes…more on that next week.

Like my other John Lennon shirt (http://davestshirts.blogspot.com/2010/03/t-shirt-82-imaginejohn-lennon.html), this shirt promises that an alternate, peaceful reality is not only possible but is easy to reach if enough people want it.I’ve written before that I think the two biggest problems in the world are greed and religion.If people didn’t care about possessions or someone else’s idea of God, what else could there be a war over?It does seem too dreamlike, but it’s true…if enough people wanted it, every war could be over.Enjoy the song, and have a peaceful Saturday!

Friday, June 18, 2010

This shirt, for a football (a.k.a. soccer) team in Seattle (http://www.soundersfc.com), was contributed from another awesome Hope Lodge guest (thanks, A!)I’m wearing it today because tonight is the night of Worcester’s Relay for Life.

One person can make a difference. Nowhere is that more evident than with the story of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life, which began in Tacoma, Washington, as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In the mid-1980s, Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon, wanted to enhance the income of his local American Cancer Society office. He decided to personally raise money for the fight by doing something he enjoyed—running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.

While he circled the track those 24 hours, he thought about how others could take part. He envisioned a 24-hour team relay event that could raise more money to fight cancer. Months later he pulled together a small committee to plan the first team relay event known as the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the first team relay event on the track at the colorful, historical Stadium Bowl and raised $33,000. An indescribable spirit prevailed at the track and in the tents that dotted the infield.

Pretty f’n amazing that one guy started it all.I can’t wait to be there tonight for the Survivor’s Reception (Survivors get treated like royalty at these things which, of course, I don’t complain about), to hang out with the Hope Lodge guests past and present, and to take that Survivor’s Lap.Off to Burncoat to use my Survivor’s Parking Pass…

Thursday, June 17, 2010

It was November of 1999 when I first became an uncle.I wasn’t the only one who was given this shirt, though.There are two other #1 Uncles: my brother Tom and brother Jon’s wife’s brother Bobby also share this title with me…quite the trio of uncles!I wore it today because my older nephew invited me to his 4th grade end of the year celebration (If there were any other uncles there, they didn’t challenge me to my shirt’s claim). I got to see his work from the entire year, look around the classroom, and watch a slide show video presentation one of the teachers had put together (in one of the nicest school auditoriums I have ever seen!).

Luckily for me between 1999 and today, I have had countless other times that have made me happy and proud to be an uncle (including becoming an uncle two more times, in 2001 and 2003). When my nephews and niece were really young, they liked playing “Star Wars” with me.This entailed each person being a character (I was usually Darth Vader) and trying to keep Darth Vader in “jail”, which was a small area at the bottom of the steps by the door.One time while playing (I think I wrote about this before), I told my older nephew that Darth Vader was Luke’s father.He hadn’t seen the movies yet and only knew Darth Vader was the “bad guy”, so he didn’t believe me.I kept telling him I wasn’t kidding, and he started crying. When my brother Jon told him it was true, he stopped crying and really wanted to see the movies (yes, he has since seen them all).

In addition to playing “Star Wars” I have been an uncle in wiffle ball games, kick ball games, pond hockey games, Wii games, board games, card games, and other made-up games.One time we were playing Mario Kart on Wii and were racing my friend Glen (who had just moved to Oregon) online.If you have never done this, everyone playing gets to vote on what track to race on.Not surprisingly to me, the kids wanted to know “What tracks are Glen’s least favorite?” and were laughing when Wario’s Gold Mine was picked.Yes, the competitive gene has also been passed down!

Like the rest of my family, my nephews and niece have reinforced in me that the only thing in life that really matters is the people you have in yours.They are the perfect cure to a bad day, and a great way to make a good day even better.I love how their laughs reinforce my silliness, and always look forward to the next phone call with the simple question “Do you want to come over an play?”

My nephews and niece are a source of constant inspiration to me as an uncle, person, and writer.In addition to “The Star Wars Kids” children’s book I am working on, they inspired these poems.I may live paycheck to paycheck, but they make my life rich…thanks B, B, and C, I love you!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Hmmmmmmm. I think I got this one for less than $5 in a bargain bin at a HOT TOPICS. I’m wearing it tonight because like my “Who’s Your Paddy?” (http://davestshirts.blogspot.com/2010/06/t-shirt-159-whos-your-paddy-2.html) shirt, it is the closest thing I could find to a Celtics shirt.I don’t think it has anything to do with the Boondock Saints movie (which is a great flick if you haven’t checked it out: Think Irish Punishers in Boston).Anyway, the C’s have a chance to win banner #18 tonight, which is pretty damn incredible.Go Celts!

What also is incredible is that today I received two different emails from two different websites that said they are going to donate me t-shirts!One is www.threadless.com and the other is is www.topatoco.com . Threadless gave me $50 to spend on their site and Topatoco is sending me shirts.Thanks so much to them and the other sites that have donated…to date:

In addition many individuals have sent or given me shirts to make sure the blog can keep going, thanks to those people too!

I just had dinner with my friend Matt at The Boyton (http://www.boyntonrestaurant.com) and our lovely waitress said she thought the owner would be very interested in helping my cause…I’ll be going in to talk to him tomorrow, so we’ll see how that goes.Always great to see old friends, and always great when companies you’ve never bought from are willing to help you out…a great day indeed…GO C’s!!!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.That’s what the shirt says, and that’s what I have to do.I lived 18 years before cancer came into my life and was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor at the end of my senior year of high school.It has now been 18 years since I was diagnosed, and I have been cancer free for over 17 years.Like most survivors, cancer became a part of me even after it was out of my body.During my junior year of college, two people I knew (a friend from high school and a 13-year-old I became friends with in the hospital) passed away after courageous battles with cancer. It was a tough way to be introduced to bouts “Survivor’s Guilt”, and it would not be my last. In 2004, my friend Matt’s former girlfriend Casey passed away from cancer (http://caseymemories.blogspot.com) and last summer Greg Montalbano’s and my friend Aimee’s mother’s battles came to an end.

Three years ago, fate help me find my job at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Worcester. Although there have been tough times (hearing a guest dealing with the familiar pain of chemotherapy, having to call an ambulance to come pick up a guest in the middle of the night, hearing when former guests have lost their battle), the rewards of working here far outweigh them.

Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back.Beating cancer taught me how to try and celebrate every single day, no matter what life throws at you.I think about and remember those I know who have lost their battles every day, and these thoughts are fuel to my need to fight back.I fight back through working at Hope Lodge.I share laughs with the guests every night, and together we show cancer who is in control.I get to walk in the survivor’s lap of the Relay for Life every year with the Hope Lodge guests, which (as the shirt suggests) is the perfect combination of celebrating, remembering, and fighting back.

Cancer has affected me and my family directly, and they have supported me every step of the way from first diagnosis up until the latest Hope Lodge or ACS event.I know cancer affects everyone differently, but I also know it seems to affect more and more people each year.If you would like to help me fight back, Hope Lodge has a team at this Friday’s Relay for Life in Worcester…you can sponsor me here (I know times are tough for many financially), even if it’s $1: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY10National?px=7135674&pg=personal&fr_id=23379

If you would like to help Hope Lodge directly, I am organizing a Relay for Life-type event called Skating for Hope (just like Relay, but on ice).Like the creator of Relay, I will be skating for all of the 24 hours! If you would like to support that, you can here: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr (the email address is skatingforhope@gmail.com)

Thank you to all my family and friends who supported me during my fight with cancer, and who continue to support me fighting back!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Today, I went with my family to the third day of the Worcester Irish Music Festival (http://www.worcesteririshmusicfestival.com/main/main.html). Although a UPEI shirt is not “Irish”, Prince Edward Island is rich with Irish heritage and has a great Celtic music tradition. Included in that tradition is Cynthia MacLeod (http://www.cynthiamacleod.com/), who played at the festival today and was nice enough to have her picture taken with me for the blog.Cynthia’s musical resume has already been filled with several awards,

•Album of the Year for Head Over Heels (2002)

•Instrumental Artist/Group of the Year (2002, 2003 & 2004)

•Roots/Traditional Artist/Group of the Year (2002, 2003 & 2004)

•New Artist of the Year (2002)

•Female Artist of the Year (2002)

•Country Artist/Group of the Year (2004)

•Entertainer of the Year (2003 & 2004)

Group of the Year with former bandmates Fiddlers’ Sons (2002)

but the reason I enjoy watching her fiddle is because I can tell she has a passion for music and enjoys every minute of it.It was also great to see my niece and nephew step dance along as Cynthia (pictured playing with Jon Matthews) played through jigs and reels.The Festival was a great time, and has me looking forward to being up in PEI this summer…

Today, they renamed the Little League I (and Greg, and my brothers, and countless other Westboro youths) played on “Greg’s Field”.Before the ceremony my nephew played in a game and like every other player, he was wearing a shirt with Greg’s name and #22.Even though his team didn’t win, he tagged a kid out trying to steal third and stretched a single into a double (he was called out, but the ump must have forgotten the rule that if the player drops the ball, you are safe).During the game, I told my nephew that there used to be a fence at the field.He asked me if I ever hit a homerun, and I told him no.BUT, I told him there was a game I was up in the 6th inning (which is like the 9th) and we were down by 3 runs with 2 outs and the bases loaded.I hit a triple, and tied the game.We ended up losing in the bottom of the inning, but it was definitely my most memorable hit at this field.

After the game, the kids made their way towards the plaque where a crowd had gathered for the post-game unveiling. Following some great words from Frank Desiata (Greg’s Little League coach and Westboro’s Recreation Director), Monsignor Mike Foley (from St. Luke’s in Westboro), and Greg’s sister Kristen, there was a presentation of two of the “Montalbano 22” Little League shirts to Greg’s family…my nephew was one of the players who presented.One of the Little League players also read something Greg had written in the 6th grade about the importance of his family and how he wanted to be a pitcher for the Red Sox.Brandi Phillips, of the Greg Montalbano committee,read a very touching letter written by the Tampa Bay Ray’s player Carlos Pena, who became close friends with Greg at Northeastern.The ceremony closed with Greg’s cousin Patrick Fallon speaking, and he did a great job combining memories of Greg and memories of the field.The Montalbanos then unveiled the beautiful plaque that had been placed near right field, and Patrick read the inscription (below).

A wonderful way to start the day, and an awesome opening of “Greg’s Field”…

REMEMBERING A HERO

GREG’S FIELD

Greg Montalbano was born and raised in Westborough.As a child Greg enjoyed all sports and the outdoors but his true passion was always baseball.The story of a true hero began right here at this fiel on Upton Road where Greg pitched his first little league game in 1988.

Greg pitched his way to Saint John’s High School and on to Northeastern University where Greg was first diagnosed with testicular cancer.His determination and courage were demonstrated early on in his first game back from chemotherapy.He took the ball for Northeastern in the 7th inning with the bases loaded and no one out in the America East Conference Championship Game.Greg struck out the side and 7 of the last 9 batters to preserve the win.

Throughout his college career chemotherapy and surgery never kept Greg from dominating hitters.He became one of the best pitchers in Northeastern history earning All American Honors his Junior and Senior seasons.

In 1999, Greg’s childhood dream came true when he was drafted by the Boston Red Sox.In 2001 Greg was named the Boston Red Sox Minor League Pitched of the Year. IN the following season he was scheduled to play for AAA Pawtucket, on step away from the mound in Fenway Park.Unfortunately, Greg’s health problems returned and his career with the Red Sox would end.

Refusing to give up his dream, Greg signed on to pitch with the Worcester Tornadoes of the CanAm League.He pitched exceptionally well for the Tornadoes helping them win the CanAm League Championship in 2005.Sadly in 2006 his illness ended his baseball career for good.

Greg Montalbano was an inspiration and role model who loved helping others.Although he never stepped foot on a Major League mound, his message of awareness, hope and optimism influenced us all.He addressed young men about his cancer and was an active spokesman for The Jimmy Fund.Greg was a hero both on and off the field and never gave up on life or his dreams,He took advantage of every opportunity presented to him and encouraged others to do the same.

It is fitting that his legacy be honored right here on Upton Road at his first “HOME FIELD”.

Words of Support:

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